Unbeta'ed
A/N:
First, a big thank you for those who have reviewed. Any constructive feedback is appreciated as I seek to improve my writing proficiency and writing style.
On the topography of Lofoten - Hiccup did still come from the viking archipelago but also conquered mainland Norway. This is where they established the new empire. To their south is Arendelle (Modern-day Sweden).
On the name changes - It is tradition for royalty to have a Regnal Name. These are names that they take when they accede the throne. For Hiccup, I chose Henry I, very classic name for a king. And for Elsa, I chose Regina (meaning Queen) Ilsa (Swedish analog for Elsa) Bernadotte (Current royal house of Sweden).
As the story progresses there will be additional characters introduced through world building or through necessity. One person cannot run an empire/kingdom after all. I am currently building an org chart/relationship map. Might create an index which includes rival countries and their own significant characters. Let me know if you are interested in reading it as a guide for the story.
Hiccup hurries back to the Imperial delegation. The procession was just unloading their cargo at the gates. He sees Gobber instructing the imperial servants to cooperate with the staff and store their luggage for the week of negotiations.
"Hiccup! Where have you been?" He comes closer to whisper, "The whole security has been running around like headless chickens when they couldn't find you!"
"Sorry about that," he notices members of his security detail, in more casual attire than their usual armor, stumble in. Hiccup acknowledges them with a nod and splits up. Several help the servants unload the luggage and two stood behind the disguised emperor.
"Had to stretch my legs a bit."
Gobber raises his eyebrows, not fully believing him. "Well, they need you out front. Astrid and Fishlegs are looking for you."
Hiccup bids farewell to Gobber, the man giving a grunt in reply and enters the castle. In the entrance hall, he sees two Arendellian guards armed with halberds. They give him a look, ready to bar his entry when an exclamation from inside stops them.
"Hiccup!" Astrid runs up to him glaring at the guards.
She grabs him by the arm and ushers him in.
"We need to talk about the negotiations. Iron out the details," she whispers as she gets closer.
"Right, where's Fishlegs?"
"He's already inside. Come on."
Out of all the people in the fledgling Lofoten empire, Hiccup can count on three fingers the people he would allow himself to be manhandled like this. Astrid was one of them.
With a sigh of resignation, he allows himself to be dragged towards one of the rooms. Inside, Fishlegs has completely commandeered the room. The table in the middle has a map of the continent splayed on top. Pips and figures symbolizing major players on the world stage stands over their respective territories. A thick, leather-bound tome full of troop allocation, orders, and composition lies open at one of the corners.
"Your Excellency. We've received word that elements of the Hegemony have begun assembling near the Romanov's border."
A serene calm comes over Hiccup. His bearing straightens, and quickly looks over the map.
"Grand Marshall?" His voice was clipped and concise, countermeasures already brewing in his analytical mind. This was no longer Hiccup Horrendous Haddock III, the viking failure, but Emperor Henry I, tactical and decisive.
Astrid's response was immediate. "We've already deployed regiments to our borders and have increased the garrison on key port areas. Fusilier training has been accelerated and gun production is in full swing."
The emperor nods in acknowledgement. "Fishlegs, how about project Toothless?"
Hiccup's most-trusted advisor lowers his voice. "The latest reports say it's proceeding as planned."
"Good. Now let's iron out our terms."
Anna leads her sister to a solar at one of the spires of the keep. They walk through an antechamber where two of the Elite Guard stand sentry. The soldiers stiffen and give their liege a salute.
The queen and her spymaster walk into the room already occupied by the leadership of Arendelle. Everyone is standing, poring over the map. They look at Elsa and Anna as they enter.
"Your majesty, your highness." Ingrid, the Minister of Defense greets them. To her side was the Head General, Kristoff Bjorgman, and the Grand Admiral, Olaf Snow. Leaders of her army and navy respectively. Across from them was Josef, the minister of foreign affairs, and the minister of interior, Lilian Ahlgren.
Acknowledging her council with a nod, she moves forward and scans the map. Small flags denoting the Hegemony are concentrated towards the Czardom. She notes some regiments are also standing by across the channel.
"Have we mobilised our navy to deflect possible blockades?" Elsa turns to the Grand Admiral.
"Yes, your majesty, we have deployed two naval battle groups to defend against attempts to blockade our trade routes." He points to two small corridors at the Baltic Sea and the Gulf of Bothnia. "This will ensure continued trade to the Czardom."
"Excellent Admiral, how is ship production?"
"Progress on the new armada is on schedule. The new dreadnought is nearing completion. Work has accelerated with the help of the shipwrights from Lofoten."
"Increase production, we will need to have the new armada operational in two months. Draw up the resources you need. I will see that they are delivered to you."
Olaf could not say he did not expect this. Tensions are high as the Hegemony mobilize their troops further east.
"As you wish your majesty."
"General Kristoff, updates?"
"We have increased recruitment in all corners of the Kingdom, your majesty. All twenty battle groups are being mobilized to key garrisons at our coasts. Five more are on their way through training. They will finish at the end of this month."
"And the fortifications?"
"They are on schedule ma'am."
"Good." The relatively young general gives a slight grin.
The queen shifts her gaze to the ministers of the interior, and of foreign affairs.
"Now let's go through our terms again."
"We need to make sure that this is not just a trade agreement. A joint effort between our militaries is a must," Astrid begins. "Coordinate training exercises, and share military technology. Also, a discussion of military tactics and a reorganization of rank and leadership if necessary."
Fishlegs nods in agreement. "Not only that, but to establish our position as a deterrent, we may have to go as far as being seen as a single nation."
There it was. The council had been discussing this outside of their emperor's knowledge. To establish themselves as a powerhouse in Europe, a complete integration of the two nations was required. Finalizing this deal would require a significant amount of commitment from both sides. To ensure that both nations follow agreement, a more binding contract has to be made.
Emperor Henry I raises his eyebrow. "What do you mean?" His sharp gaze goes to Fishlegs then to Astrid.
"Uh- I mean…"
Astrid sighs, "He means you might have to get m-"
"Married!" Elsa exclaims. The cool, calculated Ice Queen seemed to lose a bit of her composure. This is a side of the queen that is rarely seen.
"What do you mean get married?! I just got through my coronation and now you want me to get married?!"
Her voice was sounding high pitched in her hysterics.
"I don't even know the man, I don't even know what he looks like. All I know is he's a ruthless dictator and a shrewd tactician."
The minister of foreign affairs starts to rummage through one of the files on the table.
"Well, we do have an image of-"
"That's not the point!" She shrieks.
She steps away from the table and starts to pace.
Anna eyes the council meaningfully, meeting their gazes. "Can you let us have the room if you please."
Elsa cuts in. "Let's adjourn the meeting, I have to think about this."
They look to the queen and nod. The council filed out one by one except for the spymaster.
"I know what this sounds like." The calmer of the two sisters begins.
The ice sorceress stops her pacing and walks towards the balcony of the solar. Anna follows.
"We both know what being queen entails."
Elsa sighs. "I know. It's a sacrifice I am willing to make. I was raised as a royal after all, and royals rarely have the opportunity for love. I just wish I had more time."
Anna places a comforting arm around her shoulders and gives her distraught sister a hug.
"Everything will turn out fine."
A resigned chuckle comes out of the queen's mouth. She grasps the hand on her shoulder, taking in the comfort her sister was offering. "Thank you Anna."
The head of Arendelle's renowned and dreaded intelligence arm gives her sister a peck on the cheek.
"I'm here for you. I'll help you in any way I can." She steps back and moves to leave. However, she can't resist teasing the melancholy queen.
"Besides…" Elsa looks back to her sister.
"I hear he's pretty cute."
"Anna!"
Hiccup was sitting in one of the rooms of the fort. It looked to be a meeting room or a receiving room. He took a seat in one of the lounge chairs in front of the lighted fireplace. It provided him with a comfortable heat as he contemplated his discussion with his council.
'Marriage huh. I know as emperor it is my duty to find a match that'd be beneficial to the empire. But I was at least hoping to have more time to think this through.'
Henry I was a relatively young emperor at the age of 28. A brilliant achievement for one as young as he. A potent combination of tactical genius, inherent leadership qualities, and the uncanny ability to adapt to any situation allowed his rise to power. He did not think it would be this hard though.
He closed his eyes with a sigh. 'Why couldn't it have stopped with the unification of the viking tribes? I never wanted to be a leader. I led them because I didn't want anyone to suffer anymore. Problems pile on top of each other. First it was bloodthirsty warlords, then it's expansionist empires, now it's marriage to someone I barely know.'
'God, I wish I was back at my workshop.' For a man of immense influence and ability, he had fairly simple desires.
He stood up and perused the bookshelf lining the walls. Scanning through the tomes, he tried to find something to keep his mind off the impending negotiations. Some light reading perhaps.
'A Treatise on the Nature of Man. Hmm too heavy. Meditations on Art. Too abstract.'
His eyes fall upon a green, leather-bound novel. 'The Gentlewoman Thief; A novel,' he reads. 'Perfect.'
He took the book and sat down to read it in front of the fireplace. A few pages in and he was engrossed by the heroine Carmen San Lazaro as she executed capers around the world.
Elsa is walking towards a sitting room she found while she was exploring a while back.
She needed some time to herself as she prepares for the negotiations tomorrow.
She comes upon a mahogany door. As she is in deep thought she fails to see the light shining below the door. Elsa pushes the door open with nary a knock.
The sound of the door opening jars Hiccup out of his reading and he makes to stand up but stops as he looks at the person at the door.
'It's the woman from the market.'
Elsa on the other hand squawks inelegantly. Surprised that the room was already occupied.
"Oh! Hello, sorry to interrupt, I'll just go-"
"No!" Hiccup cuts in. "Please stay. I was just reading"
A moment passes and she nods. Hiccup couldn't take his eyes away from hers.
He manages to make his mouth speak. "I'm Hadrian. Hadrian Thorson."
"I'm Ilsa Bjork."
Both inwardly sigh as they manage to remember their identities.
"What are you doing here Ilsa Bjork?" He gives her a lop-sided smile.
"Uh, I just wanted to get away a bit. My father stays in one of the rooms in the castle whenever we pass by. He's a trader you see."
"Well why don't you stay here? I'll make sure to be extra quiet." He replies with a mischievous grin.
She accepts the offer. She strangely feels safe with this man. And if he tries anything, she can always skewer him with icicles.
She notices the book in his hand and smiles. "Ah reading on the great Carmen San Lazaro I see."
Hiccup relaxes and sits back down. "Yes, I'm starting to become a fan of hers."
"Well she is quite the interesting character." Elsa walks up to the book shelves and looks for a book to read as well. She decides on a red covered book titled Myths, Magic, and Mystery: Tales of Wonder.
Hiccup surreptitiously glances at her as he pretends to read. He follows her with his eyes as she goes to the seat across from him and starts to read as well. Now that he has the opportunity to have a closer look at her, he couldn't seem to resist.
Her platinum blonde hair is tied in a neat bun. An irreverent tendril escapes from the bun and drapes softly on her forehead. Elegant eyebrows sit above ice blue eyes, focused on the book she was reading. A pert nose and aristocratic cheekbones lead to soft, pink lips. A long neck, hugged by the collar of her dark purple dress.
He tries to stop himself but his gaze wanders lower. Straight shoulders, impeccable posture. 'She seems tense.' A stray thought lingers as he continues his examination. Thin wrists lead to dainty hands, holding the book she was reading.
"Hadrian…?"
He stares.
Cough. "Sir Hadrian?" She speaks a bit louder.
"Ugh - Yes?"
"Is something the matter?"
Nervous cough. "No, no, apologies. I've had a stressful evening."
Thoroughly embarrassed, he tries in vain to return to his reading. He's read the same sentence at least five times now but he resolutely avoids looking at Elsa.
Elsa now examines the man before him. He looks thoroughly flustered and she couldn't fathom why.
She crosses her legs and tries to steal glances of her own.
Hazelnut hair kept shaggy around his head. Bangs cover his forehead down to his eyebrows. An unkempt style that suited him. Resolute green eyes. A Strong jawline. A prominent nose. Soft lips that are pressed together in concentration. Broad shoulders, prominent arms, and calloused fingers,
An unbidden image came to her mind. Those fingers, rough with work, but gentle and dexterous in their touch, gently glides over her lips. His other hand trails down to the small of her back, pressing her boldly against him. She imagined feeling hi-
A blush brightens her cheek at the thought. She shakes her head and asks him a question.
"Sir Hadrian, might I inquire of your trade?"
He looks up from his book, with a smile. He seems to enjoy her curiosity.
"I'm a craftsman by training, smithing is my primary trade. I make swords and armor and the like in these turbulent times, but I much prefer making trinkets"
"And what brings you here in Fort Skydda?"
"I'm looking to trade my wares. Luckily the quartermaster of the fort has generously offered to buy my entire stock and so I find myself with free time. And so I find myself sitting here beside a beautiful lady, reading about the escapades of a gentlewoman thief."
"Flatterer." Elsa was by no means a stranger to flattery but his playful and sincere tone made her smile.
"Ah but the lady doth wound me." He clutches his fist over his heart and grimaces in pain. "I desire nothing else but to proclaim thy beauty but thy words wound me so."
"And now the blacksmith is a poet."
"Is it poetry or is it honesty?"
They laugh.
"How about you milady? What brings you to Fort Skydda?"
"Oh I'm just a plain merchant's daughter. My father had business with some of the merchants in town and with the quartermaster here in the fort as well. We trade in spices you see. And now, I too find myself in need of a respite after keeping my father's books."
Lies sprinkled with truth. Their cover stories flow easily from their mouths.
Conversation between them flows like water.
Hiccup tells her about his workshop at home, some of his crazy ideas and sketches. He takes out a small notebook from his tunic and puts it down on the table. He walks to the chair and sits on one armrest. He shows her some of the landscapes he's drawn and some portraits of people he's met.
Elsa is captivated by the craftsman, she marvels at the sketches, at how intricate and detailed they were. She saw the calculations at the side and asked about them.
"What are these numbers here?"
"Those are some calculations I've made," He scratches his head in embarrassment. "I'm a bit of an inventor you see."
He lifts the pant leg covering his prosthesis.
Elsa sees this and gasps in wonder.
"You invented this? Crafted this?"
He blushes at the praise.
"This is amazing!" She stood up and knelt down towards it to touch it closer.
It was this scene where Astrid walks in on the two.
The Grand Marshall of Lofoten knocks on the door. No answer, but she hears conversation inside. She decides to open the door.
Inside she finds hiccup sitting on an armrest. Smiling down, looking flushed, with a blonde-haired woman kneeling at his groin.
At this point, Astrid decides to stop whatever was going to happen and coughs.
The two jump apart in surprise. The blonde-haired woman tries to stammer an explanation but Astrid narrows her eyes and cuts in.
"Hiccup, Fishlegs is looking for you. Let's go."
Hiccup is also flustered. Uncommon from the usually confident emperor. "I-uh-um it's-not-what-it-looks-like!"
Astrid sighs. "I don't care, let's go." Her feet tap in a cadence, a sign of impatience from the Grand Marshall."
The emperor turns to the queen.
"I-I'm sorry Ilsa. I have some business to take care of. See you later"
And the emperor beats a hasty retreat. The Grand Marshall opens the door for him, but linger. She gives Elsa a look, then a smirk, and proceeds to follow her liege.
Elsa on her part could not care less. She was blushing from head to toe. She sat down on the chair, head in her hands, embarrassed.
"I can't believe I did that. I've never been so familiar with a man in my life. It must be all these getting to me."
She moans in despair.
"I need a break."
A moment of silence.
"Did she just call him Hiccup?"
As Hiccup and Astrid walk back towards their quarters, he gives one longing look at the door.
He smiles and continues on.
End of Chapter 2
A/N: Let me know your thoughts